Belle-Rose — page 32: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

‘THE FIRST TEARS. ? 91 air of an unhappy swain, or you will stifle me with laugh- ter, and I warn you that it would be to abuse my position; Iam much fatigued, my friend.’”’ ‘“Therefore such is not my intention; I only desire to — know what are your sentiments. ”’ ‘“‘Go to the devil with my sentiments! Have I the time to amuse myself with the trifles which enter the head of a madman? What a beautiful alliance—the daughter of Monsieur de Malzonvilliers with the son of Guillaume Grinedal, the falconer!’’ ‘Rail at me as much as you please, monsieur, I shall not grow offended,’’ Jacques quickly exclaimed; ‘‘but take care not to touch my father’s name, for as sure as there is a Godin heaven, the one that insults him, were it Su- zanne’s father, would have my vengeance to fear. ”’ - * And what would you do, rascal?’’ “I would strangle him!’’ And Jacques raised above his head two hands strong enough to quickly give effect to the threat. Monsieur de Malzonvilliers brusquely arose and carried his hand to his neck; he already seemed to feel Jacques’ fingers fastened upon it. But Jacques suddenly lowered his arms, and of his violent emotion there no longer remained anything but a great pallor upon his countenance. ‘“‘T ask your pardon for my hastiness,’’ he said. ‘‘Ilought never to forget the benefits which you have conferred on my family; this anger is the fault of my youth and not of my heart; forget it, monsieur. You would not be vexed with meif you knew how much I suffer since love has possessed me. I only live for Mademoiselle Suzanne, and I well feel that I cannot obtain her. But if to merit her it would be necessary for me to undertake something impos- sible, tell me, and with God’s aid it seems to me that I should succeed. Speak, monsieur; what must I attempt? Whatever it may be, [am ready to obey, and if I do not succeed, I shall sacrifice my life in the effort.’’ There is always in the expression of a true sentiment an — accent which touches; tears had come to Jacques’ eyes, and his attitude expressed at the same time anguish and resignation; Monsieur de Malzonvilliers was at bottom a good man; vanity had obscured his judgment without spoiling his heart; he felt touched and extended his hand to Jacques. — ‘There is no occasion to grieve, my friend,’’ he said to him, ‘‘nor to take things so hard. You love, so you say. It has not been a great while since I loyed, but I do not re- Eomicbooks (E(o)